POPSUGAR Celebrity

15 Unconventional Cupcake Recipes

Aug 19 2014 - 5:30am

While the cupcake market may have reached its saturation point [1], it's safe to say most people aren't over the cupcake craze and are still as likely to bake a dozen at home as they were a few years ago. If you're yearning for something other than run-of-the-mill vanilla and chocolate, then take a look at these unique recipes — from vegan alternatives like pumpkin and chocolate chip cupcakes to booze-filled ones like Champagne cupcakes. Prepare to bust out the muffin tin!

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

We have a homemade recipe [2] that's — dare we say it — even better tasting than the iconic original. Watch and learn how to make, fill, glaze, and pipe your way to Hostess cupcakes.

Double-Lemon Cupcakes

Lemon pound cake cupcakes [3] are filled with a lemon curd and double as breakfast or dessert.

Don't let these sprinkled chocolate cupcakes [4] deceive you! Even though they are cute, they're intended for adults only. Filled with stout, whiskey, and Baileys, these cupcakes certainly take the edge off.

Photo: Sara Yoo

Maple-Bacon Cupcakes

These maple-flavored cupcakes [5] are smothered with a dreamy buttercream frosting and garnished with candied bacon [6]. It's like a decadent brunch in cupcake form.

Even if you don't have dairy or wheat intolerances, you'll still love the texture and flavor of these gluten-free, vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes [7]. The cinnamon glaze adds just enough sweetness for a satisfying end to a meal.

Photo: Anna Monette Roberts

Double-Chocolate Cupcakes With Gooey Peanut Butter Center

Do you dare resist the sound of double-chocolate cupcakes with a gooey peanut butter center [8]? Just as the name implies, the chocolate cupcakes are filled with peanut butter, and the tops are dipped in a chocolate glaze icing.

Photo: Lauren Hendrickson

Kiwi-Melon Champagne Cupcakes

Champagne cupcakes with a tart kiwi filling and a melon-vodka-infused frosting? This recipe [9] is literally a mouthful.

Carrot Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake often contains coconut, but if you're not a big coconut fan, rejoice: these carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting [10] have no coconut flakes. The moist cupcakes practically dissolve upon biting into them.

Photo: Nicole Perry

Champagne Cupcakes

Champagne or cupcakes? Decisions, decisions. If you love both, then combine them into this Champagne cupcakes [11] recipe.

Photo: Camilla Salem

Cupcake-ify Corn on the Cob

Cupcake-ify corn on the cob [12] by using jelly beans as corn kernels and Starburst as the melted slab of butter. Aren't they so gosh-darn cute?

Vegan Carrot Cupcakes

Everyone should have at least one vegan cupcake in their baking arsenal, so why not let it be this classic carrot cupcake [13] with walnuts and raisins?

Photo: Lizzie Fuhr

German Chocolate Cupcakes

Hostess cupcakes pale in comparison to these German chocolate cupcakes [14] topped with a coconut-pecan filling and luscious chocolate ganache.

Photo: Lauren Hendrickson

Pop Rocks-Filled Apple Cupcakes

With Halloween [15] just around the corner, here's a treat kids and adults will love: Pop Rocks-filled "poisonous" red apple cupcakes [16], just like in Sleeping Beauty.

Gooey Banana Cupcakes

When life gives you overripe bananas, don't make banana bread — bake banana cupcakes with a dulce de leche filling and chocolate buttercream [17].

Photo: Sabrina Eldredge

Gin and Tonic Cupcakes

Who needs the cocktail when you can eat a gin and tonic cupcake [18] with a booze-infused frosting?